3 Pilgrims drowned in Ganga

Buxar, Apr 14 (UNI) At least three pilgrims drowned and 12 others went missing after a boat ferrying them capsized today in the midstream of Ganga near Yamuna Ghat under town police station area of Buxar district.

District Superintendent of Police Paresh Saxena said altogether 25 pilgrims were sailing back to Ramrekha Ghat in Buxar after offering prayers at Mangla Bhawani temple situated on the north bank of Ganga.

Of the 25 people on board, ten swam to safety while three bodies have been fished out.

Massive rescue operations have been launched and divers drawn from various agencies are pressed into service to fish out the remaining bodies, Mr Saxena said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed grief over the incident and said the administration has been asked to carry on rescue operations on a war footing.

The CM also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs one lakh to the next of kin of each victim.

UNI